Email security

It is reported that at least 90% of data breaches start with an email, and cyber hackers are always looking for new ways to catch us out.

Protecting your data is very important to us. To help manage cyber threats found in emails, the University now uses an advanced email security solution as part of its cyber protection arsenal.

Much of the work happens in the background so you won’t notice. However, there are some features you might start to see from 17 February 2020:

URL Protect

This feature automatically scans emails for unsafe web links.

What you will see:

  • When you hover over a web link in an email, you will see https://protect-au.mimecast.com/… and the destination address instead of the original URL.
  • If you click on a link that is deemed malicious, you will see a University-branded message advising you that the link is unsafe and has been blocked for your protection.

Attachment Project

Attachments in email messages will be scanned to help prevent unsafe content from reaching you.

What you will see:

  • You may receive University-branded messages advising that unsafe attachments have been blocked.
  • University-branded notification emails – notifications, such as a failure to send messages, will be University-branded to help you identify genuine messages.
  • If you believe a blocked email link or attachment is safe and should not be blocked please log a ServiceNow request or contact the IT Service Desk.

Email Quarantine

If an email sender is not clearly identified as being ‘safe’ or ‘unsafe’ it will be held in ‘quarantine’ until the sender can be verified by you.

What you will see:

  • You will receive an Email Quarantine Digest asking you to check any emails currently being held. Once you have checked the sender you can choose to release, permit or block the email. Each message in the digest is actioned individually
  • The Email Quarantine Digest is sent twice each day, but only if you have new emails being held for checking. If you do not choose to release, permit or block the email, the email will be deleted after 14 days.


The University is working hard to keep your data and devices secure, but it is important to always be vigilant.

The easiest way to stay safe is to know what to look for. Below are some useful articles to help avoid some of the most common email scams:

Questions or concerns about an email?

Please remember, if you have any concerns about an email, content or the email security solution, contact the IT Service Desk on 17000 or (02) 492 17000 from mobiles and external numbers (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, University working days). They will be happy to assist you.